Musings of a Taiwanese-American Adoptee

xie xie

This is my favorite time of the year. The cooler weather, the Christmas carols, the food, family, friendships, holiday shopping; the holiday spirit is upon us. Getting caught up in the holiday spirit, I thought I’d change the look of my blog. It all started yesterday when we put up our Christmas tree and decorated the house. Today, I just happen to be home with a sick kiddo who is suddenly feeling well enough to bake a pumpkin pie. The house is beginning to smell like a bakery. It’s actually nice to be home, to slow down a bit and reflect. I realize that I have so many things to be grateful for.

As we move into the busy holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have followed my blog, left comments, or just stopped by to visit. When I started this blog nearly two years ago, I had no idea where it would all go. Likewise, when I first began the search for my birth family in 2009, I didn’t know what to expect. I was almost afraid to expect anything because I had so little information to go on. What I have discovered has gone beyond any of my expectations. I’ve learned more about both my adoptive parents, especially my dad and his service in the U.S. Army Air Corp. I’ve learned some about my birth parents, and that unfortunately, both have passed on. I have had my adoption contract translated. Not only have I been able to write about my adoption experience, but I found a connection to all of you. I am so grateful to have found others who have themselves been adopted, who have adopted children from other countries, or are in the process of adopting more children. I enjoy reading about your experiences adopting your children and being able to share the bonds of adoption. I sincerely appreciate your encouraging comments and support as I continue on in my search for my biological sisters and travel to Taiwan next January. It always brightens my day to connect with others who also have a story to tell. It’s great to be a part of an adoption community. I anticipate one day meeting one of my biological sisters. Now that we have something to go on (an address in Taiwan), I feel that perhaps it is possible to find someone still living from my birth family, and I hope to share the ongoing journey with all of you.

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10 thoughts on “xie xie”

I found your blog through Taiwan Rocks, where I am a member. I have 2 children, one adopted from Taiwan, and we are waiting to be matched with another child, also from Taiwan. I’ve enjoyed reading through your blog and gaining some insight into what being an adult adoptee is like.

Best wishes as you continue to search for your birth family. When my own children are ready to explore their heritage, I plan to be there for the journey and everything it will bring.

Hi, I also found your blog from Sarah and am looking forward to sitting down and reading more someday soon. We adopted our daughter Julianna in 2009 from Taiwan and is now 2 yrs old. We are also in the process of waiting for a referral of our second child, which is very nerve wracking right now. We know Tien very well since we have worked with her for both adoptions, I know she will take care of you. I feel like I can relate about feeling “obsessed” about learing more about your heritage, I often feel obsessed about learning about Taiwan. I am always researching different topics about Taiwan, we are involved with a local university and have been paired up with a student from Taiwan (who we love!). I feel like I want to know as much as possible about Taiwan so that we can speak about this great country to our daughter and teach her as much as possible. She always perks up when we talk about Taiwan, and loves to watch the videos from the time we spent there.

I will be thinking of you as you prepare for your trip. I can’t even imagine the nerves, excitement, fear, emotions that you have and am so glad you are going with someone like Tien.

The sense of community is so important for us also. Our Taiwan family (Jules from above, Sarah, and about 200 additional people) is so strong and important to us. I believe Sarah talked to you about Taiwan ROCks also, and if you can make it that would be wonderful!

Thank you for sharing and I look forward to making your blog a regular stop 🙂

Suzy, thank you for reading my blog and for your comments! I’m so glad you stopped by. How exciting that you’re adopting your second child from Taiwan! I think it’s wonderful that you’re learning all you can about Taiwan and share that with your daughter, Julianna. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you await the referral for your second. I can only imagine how nerve wracking it is to wait to hear something back! I’m also happy to hear that you know Tien. Thanks so much for sharing that! I’m truly looking forward to meeting her soon. I remember when she first invited me to go to Taiwan awhile back. I couldn’t at that time and, honestly, never thought that I’d be able to go with work and family, etc. Maybe the timing just wasn’t right because I feel much more determined to make it happen this time.

I hope that your adoption goes as smoothly as possible and look forward to hearing about the arrival of your second child! Happy holidays to you and your family!

I am so excited that Sarah has shared your blog with our group. I am thrilled to watch your journey to Taiwan and the hope and dream to find your sisters, past and hopefully some answers.

Our Daughter Hayden is 3 and is from Taiwan. Tien was our adoption cordinator(JOH) and know she will help you in any way. Her niece Fion is in Taipei and was our guide and driver. I am sure she can help you with your travels in country. Tien is obviously VERY knowledgable about Taiwanese adoption as well as Taiwan.

Reading some of your posts really hit home for me. So much of what you have said you grew up feeling or realize now you wish you had known or been exposed to…..well we are working hard at exposing Hayden to her culture(we are spending a month in China next summer) we have her in Mandarin lessons, we work so hard that she is around so many that look like her and too share a similar journey or story. Hopefully adoptive parents of today have learned what needs to be shared, learned and embraced!!!!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and our house will be looking forward to your journey back to Taiwan.

Jules,
Thanks so much for your comments! I’m so happy to hear from you and others who have adopted from Taiwan. I really feel like I’m part of an adoption community now, which means a lot. It’s nice to know that you’ve worked with Tien. I’ve only spoken to her a couple of times via phone, but we’ve corresponded frequently via email. She has gone out of her way to be helpful, and I very much look forward to meeting her in January.

It’s wonderful that you’re exposing your daughter, Hayden, to so much of her birth culture. It will be more than beneficial as she grows older. How lucky that you will all spend a month in China next summer! What an opportunity! I feel like I’m catching up on many years of not having that kind of exposure and not taking the initiative to seek it out.

Marijane, I am so happy to share this part of your life’s journey with you and your family. I sincerely hope and pray the trip to Taiwan brings answers to your questions and a face to your sister. From my lips to God’s ear. You are so special, MJ. xo